This Coleco (Hartford, Connecticut) game was manufactured in Canada in 1980 and was donated to the Museum in 1982. It includes instructions in both English and French. This hand held electronic game is for two players - a pitcher and a batter - and is shaped somewhat like a baseball stadium. The plastic case is approximately 21.5cm long x 19.5cm wide x 7.3cm high, with a built in speaker. Battery doors accept two 9volt batteries.
The top surface of the case is divided into two screens. One is a slanted screen which records scores for balls, strikes, outs, innings, batting averages, etc. A recessed area on the top surface of the case resembles a baseball diamond. Two sets of buttons are available for the players on the sides of the case. One set is used by the "pitcher", and the other set is used by the "batter". On the top surface above "second base" is a skill level switch.
Using the appropriate buttons, the pitcher can "pitch" a fast ball, a curve ball, or "slider". Using the appropriate buttons, the batter can hit or bunt. A pitch can result in a strike or ball, while a hit could result in a double, triple, or homer. There is provision for "stealing" a base, and the sound effects include the song "Take Me Out To The Ball Game". According to Coleco:
Stealing-bunting-tagging up-hit and run-double plays-batting averages-curve balls-power hits- these are what you see in real baseball and these are what you get in Head to Head Electronic Baseball! It’s just like being in the ball park! There’s a large scoreboard and message center, and fascinating electronic sounds and lights. Play by yourself-against the computer or Head to head-against an opponent! Unique features include stealing, bunting, tagging up, hit and run, double. Pitcher can pitch a slow ball, fast ball, curve or slider. Sixteen computers assisted pitching variations.
Switch the game on and it plays "Take Me Out To The Ball Game".
One player is the batter and the other is the pitcher.
The batter comes up to the plate. His average is displayed on the large message center!
The pitcher sizes up the batter and decides to throw a fastball, slow ball, curve or slider.
The batter decides to hit for average or power or to bunt. The pitch comes in - the batter swings.
The batter connects - it’s a home run! The result is shown in the message center. And after the play, all the game statistics are shown in the scoreboard!
Last update March 22, 2010